Speaker A. The Calgary Stampede is held for 10 days in July. We call it 'The largest outdoor show on Earth'. Over one million visitors attend it every year! There's a rodeo, wagon racing, agricultural exhibitions and concerts. Come and see for yourself. And apart from having a great time, you will also support our social and educational programmes, as a percentage of all the money we spend at the Stampede  — from parking and admission to food and drinks  — goes there.

Speaker B. The Notting Hill carnival in London is a Caribbean festival. I went to see it with my mum when I was five. The only thing I remember though is that it was terribly crowded. No wonder. After all, it’s one of the biggest street festivals in the world. Stupidly, I wandered off but, due to the deafening music, I couldn’t hear Mum calling my name. I was carried away by the moving crowd and got lost. I was so terrified that I didn’t go back to the festival for years after that!

Speaker C. My first Glastonbury was in 1984. It was the coolest music festival of all, and cheap at only 13 pounds. Over the years, I saw all my favourite bands there live. Great bands they were, too. Quality music. Now the tickets are over 200 pounds and some of the performers are ... well, let's just say they're not my cup of tea. And the people who go there ... so-⁠called celebrities who want to be seen at some-⁠thing 'cool'. I stopped going years ago.

Speaker D. Several years ago I was in St Petersburg during the White Nights Festival. There was so much to see and do! Romantic strolls by the banks of the river and canals on warm summer nights, the streets full of happy faces. And such a wealth of events! Magnificent classical ballet and opera performances by the greatest artists, as well as a concert by the Rolling Stones! And, unbelievably, I watched a pretend naval battle with pirates in boats on the river Neva!

Speaker E. There's nothing like Up Helly Aa, I tell you, a fire festival in Scotland! There's a torch lit procession to show the Sun's return after the winter solstice. The torch bearers are all dressed as fierce Viking warriors with helmets, shields and axes. They make their way to the shore and there they set fire to a Viking boat. Why? I think it represents the burial ceremony of the great chieftains and their final jour-⁠ney to Valhalla.

Speaker F. You must visit New York in March during the St Patrick's Day Parade. I'm so glad I did. Wow! What a party! It's a huge Irish festival, and bigger than anything in Ire-⁠land. People wear green ‒ the traditional colour of Ireland ‒ even if they aren't Irish, and watch the parade on the street or on television. I bought a green hat and joined in! For lunch, I had a green bagel and a green coke!